Thunder edged 3-2 in Title II 16U national championship game

RESTON, Va. - The championship game of the Tier II 16U national tournament came down to special teams play, and it just wasnt that kind of day for the St. Lawrence Thunder.

The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies broke a 1-1 tie with two goals in first half of the third period and held on to edge the Thunder 3-2 in the title game. Oakland was two for six on the powerplay, while the Thunder, whose powerplay had been dangerous over the first five games of the tournament, was held scoreless on five man advantage opportunities.

The Grizzlies opened the scoring with a powerplay goal midway through the first period. Logan Ford tied it at 1-1 at the 6:43 mark of period number two. Hayden Hart and Patrick Manning drew assists on the Thunders first goal.

Oakland regained the lead with another powerplay goal 3:21 into the third period and added the eventual game winner at the 9:31 mark.

Hart closed the lead to 3-2 with 3:58 left in the contest with Lukas Arquiett credited with an assist, but the Thunder were unable to net the equalizer.

Logan Brothers had 15 saves in the Thunder net. The Massena team fired 24 shots on the Oakland cage.

It marked the third consecutive year the Thunder have been silver medalists at the national tournament. The Thunder 14U team made it to the championship game, and this years midget team featured a large number of players who had been on those bantams teams.

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